PJ Party

Learning about other cultures is so interesting, and it is the small things that often pop out the most. Hydee and I took the kids to Boston a few weeks ago for a family university graduation. We went by the famous Cheers bar, where I told Benjamin and Hannah that's the place where 'Éverybody knows your name!''

Here in Vietnam, in fact much of SE Asia, so many of the things that define Western status are here, like expensive cars, clothes and fine dining. But other things, like how to present one's self in public are so different. Women and children largely wear what we would call pajamas all day long. At first glance it may seem strange, but when you reflect a bit, it seems very logical due to the loose fitting of the clothes. It is just so darn hot and humid here, that practicality has overtaken fashion. This is not to say that they don't like to dress up when a special occasion presents it self, but comfort is the trump here!

Another quirky difference is the use of the dining table. Many families here have very nice and expensive furniture, albeit a bit uncomfortable. However, when it is time to eat, the preferred place at home is on the floor, on a mat NEXT to the table! It is functionally how they have always done it. The actual furniture is more symbolic of wealth than anything else. Makes you think about how and why we spend our money around this globe.

Come visit Vietnam and its people. Where everybody wears pajamas! :)